Description
This Quick Stewed Apple Recipe delivers fork-tender, softly spiced apples simmered in apple cider with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Perfect for a cozy breakfast topping or a delicious dessert addition, these stewed apples can be customized with optional butter, toasted nuts, or dried cranberries. They’re ready in under 20 minutes and offer a versatile, naturally sweetened treat that can be enjoyed warm or cooled.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 C (475g) Diced Apples, peeled and diced to about 1/4″- 1/2″ (.6cm – 1.2cm) (about 2 large or 4 small apples)
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice (from about 1/2 a lemon)
- 1/3 C + 2 Tbs (105g) Apple Cider or Apple Juice, divided (substitute water if needed)
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tbs Maple Syrup, plus more if desired
- 1 Tbs Brown Sugar
- 3/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 3 tsp Corn Starch
Optional Stir Ins
- 2 Tbs Butter
- 1/2 C (60g) Chopped Toasted Nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 C (55g) Dried Cranberries, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the peeled and diced apples, lemon juice, 1/3 cup (80g) apple cider or apple juice, vanilla extract, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Apples: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, stir, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, checking at 3 minutes for texture. The apples should become fork-tender and soft but not mushy. If desired, continue cooking with the lid on until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: While the apples are cooking, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of apple cider or juice with the cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
- Thicken the Apples: Remove the lid from the saucepan and pour the cornstarch slurry into the apples. Stir well to incorporate. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and cook for about 30 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, stirring occasionally; the apples will thicken more as they cool.
- Adjust Flavor and Texture: Taste the stewed apples and adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup if too tart. Increase cinnamon by sprinkling in an additional 1/4 teaspoon if desired. For a looser texture, stir in a splash of apple cider, juice, or water.
- Add Optional Stir-ins and Serve: Stir in optional butter, toasted nuts, or dried cranberries if using. Serve warm over banana pecan oat waffles, pancakes, creamy oatmeal, ice cream, or baked brie for a delightful treat.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer any leftovers to a lidded container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze and thaw in the refrigerator. Rewarm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid to loosen as needed.
Notes
- Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skin on if preferred.
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture.
- The cooking time can be adjusted depending on your texture preference – cook less for firmer apples and more for softer, more broken-down stewed apples.
- This recipe is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar but can be adjusted to taste.
- Adding optional nuts or dried fruit can enhance texture and flavor.
- This stewed apple topping is versatile and can be served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Topping
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stewed apples, quick apple compote, apple topping, fall recipes, breakfast topping, warm apple dessert
